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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
SRC-3/AIB1 protein and gene amplification levels in human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
Fang-Ping Xu1, Dan Xie, Jian-Ming Wen
1Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
It has been suggested that the steroid receptor coactivatior-3 (SRC-3) gene, also known as AIB1, ACTR, RAC3, p/CIP and TRAM-1, located at 20q12, plays an oncogenic role in several types of human cancers. In this study, we examined the encoded protein expression of SRC-3 and its copy number in 221 human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). In this ESCC series, the overexpression and increased copy number of SRC-3 gene was detected in 46 and 13% of ESCCs, respectively. In addition, overexpression of SRC-3 was observed more frequently in primary ESCCs in late T stages (T3/T4) than that in earlier T1/T2 stages (P<0.05), but no significant association of expression of SRC-3 and status of lymph node metastases was observed (P>0.05). These results suggest that overexpression of SRC-3, caused by gene amplification/gain or other molecular mechanisms, might provide a selective advantage for the development and local invasion of certain subsets of ESCC. In addition, a significant correlation (P<0.05) of overexpression of SRC-3 with increased cell proliferation (through detection of Ki-67 expression) was observed in these ESCCs. These findings suggest a potential role of SRC-3 in the control of ESCC cell proliferation; such may be responsible, at least in part, for tumorigenesis and/or progression of ESCC.
Insights
The steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) gene is overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), correlating with advanced tumor stages and increased cell proliferation, suggesting its oncogenic role in ESCC development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) gene, also known as AIB1, is implicated in the oncogenesis of various human cancers.
- SRC-3's role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein expression and gene copy number of SRC-3 in human ESCC.
- To determine the correlation between SRC-3 expression and clinicopathological features of ESCC, including tumor stage and lymph node metastasis.
- To assess the association of SRC-3 overexpression with cell proliferation in ESCC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SRC-3 protein expression and gene copy number in 221 human ESCC samples.
- Correlation analysis with clinicopathological parameters (T stage, lymph node metastasis).
- Assessment of cell proliferation using Ki-67 expression as a marker.
Main Results:
- SRC-3 overexpression was detected in 46% of ESCCs, and increased copy number in 13%.
- SRC-3 overexpression was significantly associated with advanced T stages (T3/T4) but not lymph node metastasis.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between SRC-3 overexpression and increased cell proliferation (Ki-67 expression).
Conclusions:
- SRC-3 overexpression, potentially driven by gene amplification, may contribute to ESCC development and local invasion.
- SRC-3 appears to play a role in controlling ESCC cell proliferation, potentially influencing tumorigenesis and progression.
